In Guatemala

I'm in Guatemala and doing well.

On Monday at 3 a.m., the other Guatemala YAVs (Young Adult Volunteers) and I left Stony Point (a retreat center in NY where we had a week of orientation) to catch our 6 a.m. flight. After a brief layover, we arrived in Guatemala City and then drove to Antigua. The cities and the drive were beautiful. I was like a kid grinning out the window in excitement of this new wonderland, especially as I tried to read the signs in Spanish and take in all around me. We'll see how time changes my view of the place. For now, I know there are many issues, as there are most places, but this definitely feels like a place I'll be able to call home for a year.

After our initial travels, our schedule didn't slow down much. For a few days we stayed at Posada Belen, a Catholic retreat center/inn. Then yesterday for the first time, we met and moved in with our host families that we'll have while we're in language school. Mine were incredibly welcoming and helped me lug my heavy bags up a large hill. Fortunately, my luggage has wheels. Unfortunately, they don't work so well on cobblestone and dirt streets. I definitely packed way too much. I justify having two suitcases, a carry on, and a backpack with the fact that I'll be here for almost a year. But still I'm understanding a bit more about what I need and what I don't. Although, I'm sure I'm just at the beginning of my understanding on this and many other things.

I have much more to say and pictures to add. However, I need to get a bit of sleep. Tonight, the other YAVs and I are staying at Marcia's house (our site coordinator), because at 6 a.m. we're leaving to hike Pacaya, a volcano/mountain. I hope it goes well!

Peace/paz,
Dana